JP2021524749A - Aerosol generator including inundation detection function and its method - Google Patents

Abstract

Through a component attachment / detachment space where at least one or more detachable components are attached / detached on the outer surface of the aerosol generator, a control unit that periodically generates a test signal, and an opening / closing port that is opened / closed by attaching / detaching the component. Control includes a detection signal generation unit that generates an inundation detection signal based on a test signal when a liquid flows in, and a detection signal transmission unit that receives the generated inundation detection signal and transmits it to the control unit. The unit provides an aerosol generation device including an inundation detection function, which determines whether or not inundation is performed through an opening / closing port based on a generated inundation detection signal.

Description

The present invention relates to an aerosol generator including an inundation detection function and a method thereof, and specifically, detachable components such as a cigarette insertion port and a USB terminal that must be provided in the aerosol generator are attached and detached. The present invention relates to an aerosol generator and a method thereof that can detect inundation into a space and quickly activate a function for preventing damage to the aerosol generator.

Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods that overcome the shortcomings of common cigarettes. For example, there is an increasing demand for a method of producing an aerosol by heating an aerosol-producing substance in the cigarette, which is not a method of burning a cigarette to produce an aerosol. As a result, research on heated cigarettes or heated aerosol generators is being actively pursued.

The aerosol generator is a portable electronic device, and has a point that a liquid can easily flow into the inside due to a structural property that cannot be waterproofed to all exposed surfaces. When the aerosol generator is operated with the liquid flowing into the aerosol generator, the circuit board contained in the aerosol generator is likely to be damaged, so that the control unit quickly detects the fact of inundation. It is necessary to provide the user with an inundation notification.

A technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an aerosol generator capable of quickly grasping the fact of liquid inflow when a liquid has flowed in by enhancing the inundation detection function.

The device according to the embodiment of the present invention for solving the technical problem is an aerosol generation device including a water inundation detection function, and at least one or more detachable components are provided on the outer surface of the aerosol generation device. If liquid flows in through the detachable component attachment / detachment space, the control unit that periodically generates a test signal, and the opening / closing port that is opened / closed by attaching / detaching the component, an inundation detection signal is generated based on the test signal. The control unit includes a detection signal generation unit to be generated and a detection signal transmission unit that receives the generated inundation detection signal and transmits it to the control unit, and the control unit is based on the generated inundation detection signal. It includes an inundation detection function characterized by determining whether or not inundation is caused through the opening / closing port.

A method according to another embodiment of the present invention for solving the technical problem is a method for detecting inundation of an aerosol generator, in which a control unit periodically generates a test signal, and the generated test signal is generated. A test signal transmission stage for transmitting a flood detection signal to a detection signal generation unit, and at least one detection signal generation unit provided on the outer surface of the aerosol generator, and a detachable component attached / detached. When the liquid flows into the opening / closing port provided in the space, the detection signal generation step of generating the inundation detection signal based on the test signal and the detection signal transmission part receive the generated inundation detection signal. The detection signal transmission step transmitted to the control unit and the inundation determination stage in which the control unit determines whether or not the inundation is through the opening / closing port based on the transmitted inundation detection signal are included.

An embodiment of the present invention can provide a computer-readable recording medium that stores a program for embodying the method.

In addition, in order to solve the above technical problems, an aerosol generation device according to still another embodiment of the present invention may be provided to the user.

According to the present invention, if a liquid flows in through the space where the detachable component of the aerosol generator is attached / detached, the user can quickly detect it and take measures, and the aerosol generator is damaged due to flooding. Can be minimized.

In the present invention, when a liquid flows into the aerosol generator, the inundation of the aerosol generator can be detected by the switch circuit shorted by the inflowing liquid and the circuit thereof without separately providing the liquid sensing sensor. Since it is not necessary to allocate an independent space to the substrate of the aerosol generator for the liquid sensing sensor, there is an advantage that the aerosol generator can be easily miniaturized.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to detect inundation of the aerosol generator without using a relatively expensive liquid sensing sensor at all, and it is expected that the manufacturing cost of the aerosol generator is remarkably reduced. Can be done.

It is a drawing which shows the example which the cigarette is inserted in the aerosol generator. It is a drawing which shows the example which the cigarette is inserted in the aerosol generator. It is a drawing which shows the example which the cigarette is inserted in the aerosol generator. It is a drawing which shows the example of a cigarette. It is a drawing which shows the example of a cigarette. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the aerosol generation apparatus by this invention. It is a drawing which shows typically the aerosol generation apparatus by this invention. 6 is a drawing showing an example of a circuit for explaining in detail the functions of the switches described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. 6 is a drawing showing another example of a circuit for explaining the function of the switch described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 in detail. It is a drawing which graphically compared the test signal transmitted by the control unit and the inundation detection signal received by the control unit. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the method of detecting the inundation of an aerosol generator by this invention.

The device according to the embodiment of the present invention for solving the technical problem is an aerosol generation device including a water inundation detection function, and at least one or more detachable components are provided on the outer surface of the aerosol generation device. If liquid flows in through the detachable component attachment / detachment space, the control unit that periodically generates a test signal, and the opening / closing port that is opened / closed by attaching / detaching the component, an inundation detection signal is generated based on the test signal. The control unit includes a detection signal generation unit to be generated and a detection signal transmission unit that receives the generated inundation detection signal and transmits it to the control unit, and the control unit is based on the generated inundation detection signal. It includes an inundation detection function characterized by determining whether or not inundation is caused through the opening / closing port.

In the device, the removable component is a cigarette that is heated by a USB charging terminal or a heater that receives a signal from the control unit to produce an aerosol-producing substrate.

In the device, the detection signal transmission unit transmits the inundation detection signal to the control unit only when the generated inundation detection signal is received.

The device is characterized in that the detection signal generation unit generates an inundation detection signal based on a test signal received within a preset time after the inflowing liquid has flowed in.

The device is characterized in that the detection signal generation unit is located within a first set distance from the opening / closing port.

In the device, when a liquid flows into the detection signal transmission unit through the opening / closing port, the detection signal generation unit is electrically connected, and the inundation detection signal is transmitted from the connected detection signal generation unit. Is characterized by receiving.

In the device, the control unit is characterized in that the inundation detection signal is compared with a stored reference inundation signal to determine whether or not the inundation is inundated.

A method according to another embodiment of the present invention for solving the technical problem is a method for detecting inundation of an aerosol generator, in which a control unit periodically generates a test signal, and the generated test signal is generated. A test signal transmission step of transmitting a flood detection signal to a detection signal generation unit, and at least one detection signal generation unit provided on the outer surface of the aerosol generator, and a detachable component is attached / detached. When the liquid flows into the opening / closing port provided in the space, the detection signal generation step of generating the inundation detection signal based on the test signal and the detection signal transmission part receive the generated inundation detection signal. , The detection signal transmission step transmitted to the control unit, and the inundation determination stage in which the control unit determines whether or not the inundation through the opening / closing port is based on the transmitted inundation detection signal.

In the method, the detachable component is characterized by being a cigarette that is heated by a USB charging terminal or a heater that receives a signal from the control unit to produce an aerosol-producing substrate.

In the method, the detection signal transmission step is characterized in that the inundation detection signal is transmitted to the control unit only when the generated inundation detection signal is received.

In the method, the detection signal generation step is characterized in that after the inflowing liquid has flowed in, a flood detection signal is generated based on a test signal received within a preset time.

In the method, the detection signal generation stage is characterized in that it is located within a first set distance from the opening / closing port.

In the method, in the detection signal transmission step, when a liquid flows in through the opening / closing port, the detection signal generation unit is electrically connected, and the inundation detection signal is transmitted from the connected detection signal generation unit. Is characterized by receiving.

In the method, the inundation determination step is characterized in that the inundation determination signal is determined based on the result of comparing the inundation detection signal with the already stored reference inundation signal.

For the terms used in the examples, the general terms currently widely used are selected as much as possible in consideration of the functions in the present invention, which are the intentions, precedents, and cases of engineers in the art. It also depends on the emergence of new technologies. Further, in a specific case, there is a term arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in that case, the meaning is described in detail in the explanation part of the invention. In certain cases, some terms may be arbitrarily selected by the applicant, in which case the meaning will be described in detail in the description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention must be defined based on the meaning of the terms and the general content of the present invention, rather than the names of simple terms.

In the entire specification, when a part "contains" a component, it does not exclude other components unless otherwise stated to be the opposite, and may further include other components. It means that. In addition, terms such as "... part" and "... module" described in the specification mean a unit for processing at least one function or operation, which is embodied by hardware or software. Or it can be realized by combining hardware and software.

Hereinafter, examples of the present invention will be described in detail based on the accompanying drawings so that they can be easily carried out by a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs. However, the present invention is also embodied in a variety of different forms and is not limited to the examples described herein.

Hereinafter, examples of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

1 to 3 are drawings showing an example in which a cigarette is inserted into an aerosol generator.

Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generator 1 includes a battery 11, a control unit 12, and a heater 13. With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the aerosol generator 1 further includes a vaporizer 99. Further, the cigarette 2 can be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generation device 1.

In the aerosol generating apparatus 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the components according to the present embodiment are illustrated. Therefore, if the person has ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to the present embodiment, the aerosol generation device 1 further includes other general-purpose components other than the components shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. , You can understand.

Further, although it is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 that the aerosol generation device 1 includes the heater 13, the heater 13 may be omitted if necessary.

FIG. 1 shows that the battery 11, the control unit 12, and the heater 13 are arranged in a row. Further, FIG. 2 shows that the battery 11, the control unit 12, the vaporizer 99, and the heater 13 are arranged in a row. Further, FIG. 3 shows that the vaporizer 99 and the heater 13 are arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator 1 is not limited to that shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. That is, the arrangement of the battery 11, the control unit 12, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 99 can be changed depending on the design of the aerosol generator 1.

If the cigarette 2 is inserted into the aerosol generator 1, the aerosol generator 1 can operate the heater 13 and / or the vaporizer 99 to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the heater 13 and / or the vaporizer 99 passes through the cigarette 2 and is transmitted to the user.

If necessary, the aerosol generator 1 can heat the heater 13 even when the cigarette 2 is not inserted into the aerosol generator 1.

The battery 11 supplies the electric power used for the operation of the aerosol generator 1. For example, the battery 11 can supply electric power so that the heater 13 or the vaporizer 99 is heated, and can supply electric power necessary for the operation of the control unit 12. Further, the battery 11 can supply electric power necessary for the operation of the display, the sensor, the motor, etc. provided in the aerosol generation device 1.

The control unit 12 generally controls the operation of the aerosol generation device 1. Specifically, the control unit 12 controls not only the operation of the battery 11, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 99, but also the operation of other configurations included in the aerosol generator 1. Further, the control unit 12 can confirm the state of each configuration of the aerosol generation device 1 and determine whether or not the aerosol generation device 1 is in an operable state.

The control unit 12 includes at least one processor. The processor is also embodied as an array of multiple logic gates, and is also embodied by a combination of a general purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executed by the microprocessor is stored. In addition, those who have ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which this embodiment belongs will understand that it is also realized by other forms of hardware.

The heater 13 can be heated by the electric power supplied from the battery 11. For example, if the cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generator 1, the heater 13 may be located outside the cigarette. Therefore, the heated heater 13 can raise the temperature of the aerosol-producing material in the cigarette.

The heater 13 is also an electrically resistant heater. For example, the heater 13 includes an electrically conductive track, and the heater 13 can be heated by flowing an electric current through the electrically conductive track. However, the heater 13 is not limited to the above-mentioned example, and can be applied without limitation as long as it is heated to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be already set in the aerosol generation device 1 or may be set to a desired temperature by the user.

On the other hand, as another example, the heater 13 is also an induction heating type heater. Specifically, the heater 13 may include an electrically conductive coil for heating the cigarette by an induction heating method, and the cigarette may include a susceptor heated by an induction heating type heater.

For example, the heater 13 includes a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and can heat the inside or the outside of the cigarette 2 depending on the shape of the heating element.

Further, a plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged in the aerosol generation device 1. At this time, the plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged so as to be inserted inside the cigarette 2 or may be arranged outside the cigarette 2. Further, a part of the plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged so as to be inserted inside the cigarette 2, and the rest may be arranged outside the cigarette 2. Further, the shape of the heater 13 is not limited to the shape shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, and can be manufactured in various shapes.

The vaporizer 99 heats the liquid composition to produce an aerosol, which can be transmitted to the user through the cigarette 2. That is, the aerosol produced by the vaporizer 99 moves along the airflow passage of the aerosol generator 1, and the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 99 is transmitted to the user through the cigarette. Can be configured as

For example, the vaporizer 99 includes, but is not limited to, a liquid storage unit, a liquid transfer means, and a heating element. For example, the liquid storage unit, the liquid transfer means, and the heating element may be included in the aerosol generation device 1 as independent modules.

The liquid storage unit can store the liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition is also a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance containing a volatile tobacco aroma component and a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. The liquid storage unit can be attached / detached from the vaporizer 99, or can be integrally formed with the vaporizer 99.

For example, the liquid composition may include water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, a fragrance, a flavoring agent, or a mixture of vitamins. Flavors include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, aroma components of various fruits, and the like. Flavors may contain ingredients that provide the user with a variety of flavors or flavors. Vitamin mixtures are also, but are not limited to, a mixture of at least one of Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C and Vitamin E. The liquid composition may also contain aerosol-forming agents such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

The liquid transfer means can transfer the liquid composition of the liquid storage unit to the heating element. For example, the liquid transfer means may be, but is not limited to, a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, porous ceramic.

The heating element is an element for heating the liquid composition transmitted by the liquid transfer means. For example, the heating element may be, but is not limited to, a metal heat ray, a metal hot plate, a ceramic heater, and the like. The heating element is also composed of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire and is also arranged in a structure wound around a liquid transfer means. The heating element can be heated by an electric current supply and transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element to heat the liquid composition. As a result, aerosols can be produced.

For example, the vaporizer 99 is also referred to as, but not limited to, a cartomizer or atomizer.

On the other hand, the aerosol generator 1 may further include a general-purpose configuration other than the battery 11, the control unit 12, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 99. For example, the aerosol generator 1 may include a display capable of outputting visual information and / or a motor for outputting tactile information. Also, the aerosol generator 1 may include at least one sensor. Further, the aerosol generation device 1 is also manufactured in a structure in which the outside air flows in or the internal gas flows out even when the cigarette 2 is inserted.

Although not shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the aerosol generator 1 may form a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle is used to charge the battery 11 of the aerosol generator 1. Alternatively, the heater 13 may be heated with the cradle and the aerosol generator 1 coupled.

The cigarette 2 may be similar to a general combustion type cigarette. For example, the cigarette 2 can be divided into a first portion containing an aerosol-producing substance and a second portion containing a filter or the like. Alternatively, the second portion of the cigarette 2 also contains an aerosol-producing substance. For example, an aerosol-producing substance prepared in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second portion.

The entire first portion is inserted inside the aerosol generator 1, and the second portion can be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a part of the first portion may be inserted inside the aerosol generator 1, or the entire first portion and a part of the second portion may be inserted. The user can inhale the aerosol with the second part in his mouth. At this time, the aerosol is generated by passing the outside air through the first portion, and the generated aerosol passes through the second portion and is transmitted to the user's mouth.

As an example, outside air can flow in through at least one air passage formed in the aerosol generator 1. For example, the opening and closing and / or the size of the air passage formed in the aerosol generator 1 can be adjusted by the user. Thereby, the amount of atomization, the feeling of smoking, etc. can be adjusted by the user. As another example, outside air can flow into the inside of the cigarette 2 through at least one hole formed on the surface of the cigarette 2.

Hereinafter, an example of the cigarette 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

4 and 5 are drawings showing an example of a cigarette.

Referring to FIG. 4, the cigarette 2 includes a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22. The first portion 21 described above based on FIGS. 1 to 3 includes a tobacco rod 21 and a second portion 22 includes a filter rod 22.

FIG. 4 shows the filter rod 22 as a single segment, but is not limited thereto. That is, the filter rod 22 may be composed of a plurality of segments. For example, the filter rod 22 may include a segment that cools the aerosol and a segment that filters certain components contained within the aerosol. Also, if desired, the filter rod 22 may further include at least one segment performing other functions.

The cigarette 2 can be packaged by at least one trumpet 24. The trumpet 24 may be formed with at least one hole through which external air can flow in or internal gas can flow out. As an example, the cigarette 2 can be packaged by a single trumpet 24. As another example, the cigarette 2 may be superposed and packaged by two or more trumpets 24. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be packaged by the first trumpet 241 and the filter rod 22 may be packaged by the trumpet 242, 243, 244. Then, the entire cigarette 2 can be repackaged by the single trumpet 245. If the filter rod 22 is composed of a plurality of segments, each segment may be packaged by trumpets 242, 243, 244.

The tobacco rod 21 contains an aerosol-producing substance. For example, aerosol-producing substances include, but are not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol and oleyl alcohol. The tobacco rod 21 may also contain flavoring agents, wetting agents and / or other additives such as organic acids. Further, a perfume liquid such as menthol or a moisturizer is added to the tobacco rod 21 by being sprayed onto the tobacco rod 21. May contain flavoring agents, wetting agents and / or other additives such as organic acids.

The tobacco rod 21 can be made in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21 is also made of seats and also of strands. The tobacco rod 21 is also made of chopped tobacco in which a tobacco sheet is cut into small pieces. The tobacco rod 21 is also surrounded by a heat conductive substance. For example, the heat conductive material is also, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as an aluminum foil. As an example, the heat conductive substance surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can uniformly disperse the heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21 to improve the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod, thereby improving the tobacco taste. Further, the heat conductive substance surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can function as a susceptor heated by the induction heating type heater. At this time, although not shown in the drawing, the tobacco rod 21 may further include an additional susceptor in addition to the heat conductive substance surrounding the outside.

The filter rod 22 is also a cellulose acetate filter. On the other hand, the shape of the filter rod 22 is not limited. For example, the filter rod 22 is both a columnar rod and a tubular rod containing a hollow inside. The filter rod 22 is also a recessed rod. If the filter rod 22 is composed of a plurality of segments, at least one of the plurality of segments is also manufactured in a different shape.

Further, the filter rod 22 may include at least one capsule 23. Here, the capsule 23 may perform a function of generating a flavor and a function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 also has a structure in which a liquid containing a fragrance is covered with a coating film. Capsules 23 have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but are not limited thereto.

With reference to FIG. 5, the cigarette 3 may further include a front end plug 33. The front end plug 33 may be located on one side of the tobacco rod 31 facing the filter rod 32. The front end plug 33 prevents the tobacco rod 31 from detaching to the outside, and prevents the aerosol liquefied from the tobacco rod 31 from flowing to the aerosol generator (1 of FIGS. 1 to 3) during smoking. be able to.

The filter rod 32 may include a first segment 321 and a second segment 322. Here, the first segment 321 can correspond to the first segment of the filter rod 22 of FIG. 4, and the second segment 322 can correspond to the third segment of the filter rod 22 of FIG.

The diameter and the total length of the cigarette 3 can correspond to the diameter and the total length of the cigarette 2 of FIG.

The cigarette 3 can be packaged by at least one trumpet 35. The trumpet 35 is formed with at least one hole through which external air can flow in or internal gas can flow out. For example, the first trumpet 351 wraps the front end plug 33, the second trumpet 352 wraps the tobacco rod 31, the third trumpet 353 wraps the first segment 321 and the fourth trumpet 354 wraps the second segment 322. Can be done. Then, the entire cigarette 3 can be repackaged by the fifth trumpet 355.

Also, at least one perforation 36 may be formed in the fifth trumpet 355. For example, the perforation 36 is formed in the area surrounding the tobacco rod 31, but is not limited thereto. The perforation 36 can serve to transfer the heat formed by the heater 13 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 to the inside of the tobacco rod 31.

In addition, the second segment 322 may include at least one capsule 34. Here, the capsule 34 may perform a function of generating a flavor and a function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 also has a structure in which a liquid containing a fragrance is covered with a coating film. Capsules 34 have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but are not limited thereto.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of an aerosol generator according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, the aerosol generation device 1 according to the present invention includes a battery 11, a control unit 12, a heater 13, a pulse width modulation processing unit 14, a display unit 15, a motor 16, a storage device 17, and a detection signal generation unit 18a. It can be seen that the detection signal transmission unit 18b and the switch 19 are included. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the general functions of each configuration included in the aerosol generation device 1 will be primarily described, and the operation of the control unit 12 according to the embodiment will be secondarily described in detail.

The battery 11 supplies electric power to the heater 13, and the magnitude of the electric power supplied to the heater 13 can be adjusted by a control signal generated by the control unit 12. According to an embodiment, a regulator that keeps the voltage of the battery constant may be included between the battery 11 and the control unit 12.

The control unit 12 detects the battery 11, the heater 13, the pulse width modulation processing unit 14, the display unit 15, the motor 16, the storage device 17, and the detection device included in the aerosol generation device 1 through a method of generating and transmitting a control signal. The signal generation unit 18a and the detection signal transmission unit 18b are comprehensively controlled. Although not shown in FIG. 6, according to an embodiment, the control unit 12 communicates with an input receiving unit (not shown) that receives a user's button input or touch input, and an external communication device such as a user terminal. It may further include a capable communication unit (not shown). Further, although not shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 12 may further include a module for performing proportional integral differential control (PID) with respect to the heater 13.

In the present invention, the control unit 12 periodically generates a test signal and transmits the generated test signal to the detection signal generation unit 18a. If the liquid flows into the aerosol generation device 1, the control unit 12 may receive the inundation detection signal corresponding to the test signal transmitted to the detection signal generation unit 18a from the detection signal transmission unit 18b described later. .. As another example, when the liquid does not flow into the aerosol generation device 1, the control unit 12 only transmits a test signal to the detection signal generation unit 18a, and the inundation detection signal corresponding to the transmitted test signal. Do not receive. Depending on the embodiment, the process in which the control unit 12 receives or does not receive the inundation detection signal corresponding to the test signal will be described in detail later through FIGS. 8A and 8B.

When a current is applied, the heater 13 generates heat due to its natural resistance, and when the aerosol-forming substrate is brought into contact with (bonds) to the heated heater 13, an aerosol can be generated.

The pulse width modulation processing unit 14 causes the control unit 12 to control the electric power supplied to the heater 13 through a method of transmitting a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal to the heater 13. According to the embodiment, the pulse width modulation processing unit 14 is also embodied by the method included in the control unit 12, and the PWM signal output from the pulse width modulation processing unit 14 is also a digital pulse width modulation signal (Digital PWM Signal). ..

The display unit 15 visually outputs various alarm messages (alarm messages) generated by the aerosol generation device 1 so that the user who uses the aerosol generation device 1 can check them. The user confirms the battery power shortage message and the overheat warning message of the susceptor output to the display unit 15, and either stops the operation of the aerosol generator 1 or takes appropriate measures before the aerosol generator 1 is damaged. Can be taken.

The motor 16 is driven by the control unit 12 and makes the user aware through the sense of touch that the aerosol generator 1 is ready for use.

The storage device 17 stores various information for the control unit 12 to appropriately control the electric power supplied to the heater 13 to provide a consistent flavor to the user who uses the aerosol generation device 1. The storage device 17 is not only composed of a non-volatile memory like a flash memory, but also restricts data only when energized in order to secure a faster data input / output (I / O) speed. It may consist of a volatile memory for storage.

The detection signal generation unit 18a is provided on the outer surface of the aerosol generator 1 at least one, and the removable component is attached / detached to / from the component detachable space by attaching / detaching the detachable component. When the liquid flows in through the opening / closing opening / closing port, the inundation detection signal is generated based on the test signal generated by the control unit 12. More specifically, when the detachable component is attached (combined) to the component attachment / detachment space, the opening / closing port is closed, and when the detachable component is detached (disconnected) from the component attachment / detachment space, the opening / closing opening is closed. It is kept open.

The component attachment / detachment space is a space provided in the aerosol generator 1, and when the detachable component is attached (combined) to the aerosol generator 1, the volume of the attached (bonded) detachable component. The component attachment / detachment space refers to a space having a size proportional to the above, and includes an opening / closing port for being connected to the control unit 12 of the aerosol generation device 1 through an internal circuit. A liquid flows into the aerosol generation device 1 through the opening / closing port of the component attachment / detachment space, and a schematic description of this will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 7.

According to the embodiment, an opening / closing palate (not shown) is additionally provided to prevent the opening / closing opening from being held in the open state when the removable component is dropped, and the opening / closing palate (not shown) is provided. Does not perform a function of covering the opening / closing port, and cannot completely disconnect the inside and the outside of the aerosol generator 1 based on the opening / closing port. Therefore, even when the opening / closing palate (not shown) is covered. There is still the possibility of liquid inflow through the opening and closing, which may further increase the utility of the present invention.

As a selective embodiment, the removable component is also a cigarette 2 that is heated by a USB charging terminal or a heater 13 that receives a signal from the control unit 12 to produce an aerosol-producing substrate. In this selective embodiment, if the detachable component is a USB charging terminal, the component detachable space is the space where the USB receiving terminal is located, and if the detachable component is the cigarette 2, the component detachable space is. , Becomes a cigarette slot.

The detection signal transmission unit 18b receives the inundation detection signal from the detection signal generation unit 18a and transmits the inundation detection signal to the control unit 12. As an example, when a liquid flows into the aerosol generation device 1, the detection signal generation unit 18a receives a test signal from the control unit 12, generates an inundation detection signal based on the received test signal, and detects it. The signal transmission unit 18b transmits the generated inundation detection signal to the control unit 12, so that the control unit 12 can determine whether or not the aerosol generation device 1 has been inundated based on the inundation detection signal.

As another example, in the present invention, if the liquid does not flow into the aerosol generation device 1, even if the detection signal generation unit 18a receives the test signal from the control unit 12 and generates the inundation detection signal, the detection signal is generated. It is configured so that the inundation detection signal cannot be transmitted to the aerosolizing portion 18b. More specifically, when no liquid has flowed into the aerosol generation device 1, the circuit between the detection signal generation unit 18a and the detection signal transmission unit 18b operates as an open circuit (open circuit). Even if the inundation detection signal is generated by the detection signal generation unit 18a, it is not transmitted to the detection signal transmission unit 18b. A schematic description of this will be given through FIGS. 8A and 8B.

The switch 19 is located between the control unit 12 and the detection signal generation unit 18a, and has a function of transmitting the test signal generated from the control unit 12 to the detection signal generation unit 18a or opening and closing the switch 19 so as not to be transmitted. conduct. In FIG. 6, the switch 19 is not a device whose opening / closing is determined by a specific element, but if a liquid flows into the opening / closing port of the component attachment / detachment space of the aerosol generation device 1, a short circuit occurs due to the liquid. Occasionally, the control unit 12 and the detection signal generation unit 18a are limitedly connected to each other, and in order to perform such a function, the control unit 12 and the detection signal generation unit 18a are located within a set distance from the opening / closing port of the component attachment / detachment space.

Therefore, the switch 19 basically operates as an open circuit when the liquid is not flowing into the aerosol generator 1, whereby the detection signal generator 18a detects inundation based on the test signal. The signal cannot be generated, or even if the inundation detection signal is generated, it cannot be transmitted to the detection signal transmission unit 18b. In FIG. 6, the switch 19 is located between the control unit 12 and the detection signal generation unit 18a, but is it located between the detection signal generation unit 18a and the detection signal transmission unit 18b according to the embodiment? , It is also embodied in the form included in the detection signal generation unit 18a.

In the present invention, when a liquid flows into the aerosol generation device 1, a switch circuit shorted by the inflowing liquid and the inundation of the aerosol generation device 1 are detected by the switch circuit and the circuit, even if the liquid sensing sensor is not separately provided. By making it possible, it is not necessary to allocate an independent space to the substrate of the aerosol generation device for the liquid sensing sensor, so that there is an advantage that the aerosol generation device 1 can be easily miniaturized.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to detect inundation of the aerosol generating device 1 without using a relatively expensive liquid sensing sensor at all, and it is expected that the manufacturing cost of the aerosol generating device 1 is remarkably reduced. can do.

FIG. 7 is a drawing schematically showing an aerosol generator according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows only a part of the plurality of configurations included in the aerosol generator 1 in order to explain various examples as the same aerosol generator 1 as the aerosol generator 1 described with reference to FIG. It is a drawing which shows.

More specifically, the aerosol generation device 1 of FIG. 7 includes not only the control unit 12, the detection signal generation unit 18a, and the detection signal transmission unit 18b described above, but also the cigarette insertion port 710 and the USB terminal 730 corresponding to the component attachment / detachment space. including. In FIG. 7, it is shown that there are two detection signal generation units 18a and two detection signal transmission units 18b, but if the number of component attachment / detachment spaces increases, it is proportional to the increased number of component attachment / detachment spaces. Therefore, the number of the detection signal generation unit 18a and the detection signal transmission unit 18b can also be increased. Further, although not shown in FIG. 7, the detection signal generation unit 18a or the detection signal transmission unit 18b includes the switch 19 described in FIG.

Hereinafter, in FIG. 7, the process in which the control unit 12 receives the inundation detection signal will be described in chronological order, and FIG. 6 will be referred to for convenience of explanation.

First, the control unit 12 periodically generates a test signal and transmits it to the detection signal generation unit 18a. The detection signal generation unit 18a is located within a first set distance from the opening / closing port of the cigarette insertion port 710, which is one of the component attachment / detachment spaces.

Referring to FIG. 7, the detection signal generation unit 18a is separated from the opening / closing port of the cigarette insertion port 710 by the first distance d. The first distance is a preset distance value, which is sufficiently close to the opening / closing port provided in the component attachment / detachment space, and the liquid 750 flowing in through the opening / closing port is generated by the detection signal generation unit 18a. A distance that does not flood other circuits and does not lead to damage to the aerosol generator 1 is desirable. At this time, the detection signal generation unit 18a includes the switch 19, and the switch 19 temporarily constitutes a short circuit by the liquid 750. Further, the direction for measuring the first distance is any one of the horizontal, vertical, and diagonal distances between the detection signal generation unit 18a and the opening / closing port, and the measurement direction of the first distance shown in FIG. Can be an example.

When the switch 19 temporarily forms a short circuit with the liquid 750, the detection signal transmission unit 18b electrically forms a closed circuit with the detection signal generation unit 18a, and the detection signal generation unit 18a generates from the test signal. It is possible to receive the inundation detection signal. The detection signal transmission unit 18b can transmit the received inundation detection signal itself to the control unit 12, or can transmit the inundation detection signal to the control unit 12 by primarily processing (performing filtering) the inundation detection signal. The control unit 12 can receive the inundation detection signal and determine that the liquid 750 has flowed in through the opening / closing port of the cigarette insertion port 710.

As a selective embodiment, the detection signal transmission unit 18b may internally include the switch 19 instead of the detection signal generation unit 18a. In that case, the detection signal transmission unit 18b is located within a second distance already set from the opening / closing port of the component attachment / detachment space, and can quickly detect the liquid 750 that has flowed in through the opening / closing port. As an example, the detection signal transmission portion 18b may be located within d, which is a second distance already set, from the opening / closing port of the cigarette insertion port 710. Here, the second distance is defined as the distance value between the opening / closing port of the component attachment / detachment space and the detection signal transmission portion 18b, which is the same value as the first distance described above according to the embodiment, but the short circuit is formed by the liquid 750. Since the constituent switch 19 is included in any one of the detection signal generation unit 18a and the detection signal transmission unit 18b, the first distance and the second distance depend on what the configuration including the switch 19 is. , Only one of the values can be preset as a value for detecting inundation in the aerosol generator 1.

After receiving the inundation detection signal from the detection signal transmission unit 18b, the control unit 12 can determine the inundation fact of the aerosol generation device 1 based on the received inundation detection signal.

In the above description, the case where the component attachment / detachment space is the cigarette insertion port 710 has been described as an example, but even when the component attachment / detachment space is the USB terminal 730, the inundation detection signal can reach the control unit 12 through the same process. It will be obvious to ordinary engineers in this field.

FIG. 8A is a drawing showing an example of a circuit for explaining the function of the switch described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 in detail.

More specifically, FIG. 8A shows a detection signal generation unit 18a, a detection signal transmission unit 18b, a switch 19, and a grounding 20, which are a part of the aerosol generation device 1, and is an opening / closing port of the aerosol generation device 1. The circuit diagram in the state where the liquid does not flow in through the is shown briefly. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the description will be made with reference to FIG.

First, the control unit 12 can periodically generate a test signal and transmit it to the detection signal generation unit 18a, and can generate an inundation detection signal based on the test signal received by the detection signal generation unit 18a. However, in a state where no liquid has flowed into the opening / closing port provided in the component attachment / detachment space of the aerosol generation device 1, the switch 19 operates in an open circuit, and the detection signal generation unit 18a constitutes a closed circuit (closed circuit). Therefore, the test signal transmitted by the control unit 12 does not reach the detection signal generation unit 18a.

On the other hand, since the detection signal transmission unit 18b is connected to the control unit 12 to form a closed circuit regardless of the open / closed state of the switch 19, the current output from the detection signal transmission unit 18b is grounded through the resistor. It flows in 20 directions.

FIG. 8B is a drawing showing another example of a circuit for explaining the function of the switch described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 in detail.

More specifically, FIG. 8B shows a detection signal generation unit 18a, a detection signal transmission unit 18b, a switch 19, and a grounding 20, which are a part of the aerosol generation device 1, and is an opening / closing port of the aerosol generation device 1. The circuit diagram in the state where the liquid flows in through the is shown briefly. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the description will be made with reference to FIG.

First, the control unit 12 can periodically generate a test signal and transmit it to the detection signal generation unit 18a, and can generate an inundation detection signal based on the test signal received by the detection signal generation unit 18a. In a state where the liquid has flowed into the opening / closing port provided in the component attachment / detachment space of the aerosol generation device 1, the switch 19 operates in a short circuit, and the detection signal generation unit 18a can form a closed circuit (closed circuit). The test signal transmitted by the control unit 12 reaches the detection signal generation unit 18a, and the detection signal generation unit 18a can generate an inundation detection signal based on the test signal.

According to the embodiment, the test signal and the inundation detection signal are also signals containing the same information, and the detection signal generation unit 18a does not include a separate signal generator and also functions as an element through which the test signal simply passes. It is desirable that the resistance value of the resistance element between the switch 19 and the ground 20 is sufficiently large so that the inundation detection signal (current) generated by the detection signal generation unit 18a is transmitted to the detection signal transmission unit 18b. ..

If the short circuit configuration state of the switch 19 is released by the inflowing liquid, the circuit of FIG. 8B can be regressed to the circuit of FIG. 8a. As described above, according to the embodiment, the grounding 20 connected to the switch 19 and the resistor is also configured to be included in the detection signal generation unit 18a or the detection signal transmission unit 18b. As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, a circuit in which a ground connected to a resistor and a switch is arranged between elements to lower the value in the floating state is called a pool-down circuit, and is detected. The signal generation unit 18a or the detection signal transmission unit 18b may be configured by a pool down circuit.

As a selective embodiment, the detection signal generation unit 18a generates an inundation detection signal based on the test signal received within a set time after the liquid has flowed into the opening / closing port of the aerosol generation device 1. Can be done. This selective embodiment is an embodiment that reflects a process in which the inflowed liquid in the present invention causes the switch 19 to be temporarily turned on by generating a short signal, and the liquid is inflowed into the switch 19. Indicates that the inundation detection signal is not generated unless the test signal is received by the detection signal generation unit 18a within a certain period of time even if is short-circuited. In order to embody this selective embodiment, it is desirable that the period of the test signal transmitted by the control unit 12 is appropriately determined by experimental and empirical data.

FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically comparing the test signal transmitted by the control unit and the inundation detection signal received by the control unit.

The upper end graph of FIG. 9 shows the waveform of the test signal transmitted by the control unit 12. According to the upper end graph of FIG. 9, the test signal transmitted by the control unit 12 is composed of a high signal having a specific value during the P time, is generated for each period T, and is generated for each period T, and is a detection signal generation unit 18a. You can see that it is sent to.

The lower end graph of FIG. 9 shows the inundation detection signal received by the control unit 12, and shows the waveform of the signal that has undergone the normalization process for waveform comparison with the test signal. According to the lower graph of FIG. 9, the inundation detection signal received by the control unit 12 does not output the corresponding high value when the high value is output for the first time in the test signal, but is high in the second cycle. When the value is output, it can be seen that the corresponding high value is output. The fact that the inundation detection signal does not output the value corresponding to the first high unlike the test signal is because the liquid does not flow into the aerosol generator 1 and the switch 19 does not form a short circuit. The output of the value corresponding to the second high of the test signal is due to the fact that the liquid flowed into the aerosol generator 1 and the switch 19 formed a short circuit.

As a result of comparing the test signal and the inundation detection signal, the control unit 12 can determine that the aerosol generator 1 has been inundated if the section in which the high value is output is grasped. As another example, in the process of periodically transmitting the test signal, the control unit 12 does not receive the inundation detection signal, or even if the inundation detection signal is received, the inundation detection signal dissimilar to the waveform of the test signal is generated. If it is received, it can be determined that the aerosol generator 1 is not flooded and is operating normally.

As a selective embodiment, the control unit 12 does not compare the test signal and the inundation detection signal, but may determine whether or not the inundation is based on the result of comparing the inundation detection signal and the already stored reference inundation signal. can. According to this selective embodiment, the process of normalizing the inundation detection signal according to the waveform of the test signal is omitted, and the inundation can be immediately judged by comparing with the reference inundation signal. Information about the reference inundation signal can be stored in the control unit 12 or the storage device 17 in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for detecting inundation of the aerosol generator according to the present invention.

Since the method according to FIG. 10 can be embodied by the aerosol generation apparatus 1 according to FIG. 6, the description will be described below with reference to FIG. 6, and the description overlapping with the contents described with reference to FIG. 6 will be omitted.

First, the control unit 12 periodically generates and transmits a test signal (S1010).

If a liquid flows into the opening / closing port of the component attachment / detachment space (S1030), the switch 19 is turned on by a short signal due to the flowed liquid (S1050).

Immediately after the switch 19 is turned on, if the control unit 12 generates a new test signal and transmits it to the detection signal generation unit 18a, the detection signal generation unit 18a generates an inundation detection signal based on the test signal. It is transmitted to the detection signal transmission unit 18b (S1070). In step S1070, the detection signal generation unit 18a and the detection signal transmission unit 18b, which were electrically disconnected by the switch 19 that was turned off, are electrically operated by turning on the switch in step S1050. It is possible to send and receive signals to and from each other.

The control unit 12 receives the inundation detection signal from the detection signal transmission unit 18b, and determines whether or not the liquid has flowed in (inundated) through the opening / closing port of the aerosol generator 1 based on the received inundation detection signal. (S1090). According to the embodiment, the control unit 12 compares the test signal with the inundation detection signal as described with reference to FIG. 9 in order to determine whether or not the liquid has flowed in through the opening / closing port of the aerosol generation device 1. The result may be used, or the result of comparing the inundation detection signal with the stored reference inundation signal may be used.

In the present invention, when a liquid flows into the aerosol generating device 1, it is possible to detect the inundation of the aerosol generating device 1 by a switch circuit shorted by the flowed liquid and the circuit thereof without separately providing a liquid sensing sensor. As a result, the liquid sensing sensor does not have to allocate an independent space to the substrate of the aerosol generation device, so that there is an advantage that the aerosol generation device 1 can be easily miniaturized. Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to detect inundation of the aerosol generating device 1 without using a relatively expensive liquid sensing sensor at all, and it is expected that the manufacturing cost of the aerosol generating device 1 is remarkably reduced. can do.

The embodiments according to the present invention described above are embodied in the form of a computer program that is executed on a computer through various components, and such a computer program can be recorded on a computer-readable medium. At this time, the medium is a hard disk, a magnetic medium such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk and a magnetic tape, an optical recording medium such as a CD-ROM and a DVD, and a magnetic optical medium such as a floptic disc. May include hardware devices specially configured to store and execute program commands such as (magneto-optical media) and ROM, RAM, flash memory.

On the other hand, the computer program is either specially designed and configured for the present invention, or is known to those skilled in the art of computer software and can be used. Examples of computer programs may include not only machine language code as created by a compiler, but also high-level language code executed by a computer using an interpreter or the like.

The specific practice described in the present invention is an embodiment and does not limit the scope of the present invention by any method. For the sake of brevity, the description of conventional electronic configurations, control systems, software, and other functional aspects of said systems will be omitted. Also, the line connections or connecting members between the components shown in the drawings exemplify functional connections and / or physical or circuit connections and are substitutable in practice. It is present as a variety of functional connections, physical connections, or circuit connections. In addition, unless there is a specific reference such as "essential" or "important", it is not necessarily a necessary component for applying the present invention.

The use of the term "above" and similar demonstrative terms in the specification of the present invention (particularly in the claims) may be singular or plural. In addition, when a range is described in the present invention, it includes an invention to which individual values belonging to the range are applied (unless there is a description contrary to this), and the above range is described in detail of the invention. It is the same as the description of each individual value that constitutes. Finally, the steps constituting the method according to the invention are clearly ordered or, unless otherwise stated, the steps are performed in an appropriate order. The description order of the steps does not necessarily limit the present invention. The use of all examples or exemplary terms (eg, etc.) in the present invention is merely to illustrate the invention in detail and, unless limited by the claims, said examples or exemplary. The term does not limit the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will also find that they are composed of design conditions and factors within the scope of the claims or their equivalents with various modifications, combinations and changes.

One embodiment of the present invention is used to produce a next generation electronic cigarette.

Claims (15)

An aerosol generator that includes an inundation detection function.
A component attachment / detachment space for attaching / detaching at least one detachable component provided on the outer surface of the aerosol generator, and a component attachment / detachment space.
A control unit that periodically generates a test signal,
A detection signal generation unit that generates an inundation detection signal based on the test signal when a liquid flows in through an opening / closing port that is opened / closed by attaching / detaching the component.
Includes a detection signal transmission unit that receives the generated inundation detection signal and transmits it to the control unit.
The control unit is an aerosol generation device including an inundation detection function, which determines whether or not inundation is caused through the opening / closing port based on the generated inundation detection signal. The removable component is
The aerosol generation device according to claim 1, further comprising a water immersion detection function according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol is a cigarette that is heated by a USB charging terminal or a heater that receives a signal from the control unit to generate an aerosol-producing substrate. The detection signal transmission part
The aerosol generation apparatus including the inundation detection function according to claim 1, wherein the inundation detection signal is transmitted to the control unit only when the generated inundation detection signal is received. The detection signal generation unit
The aerosol generator including the inundation detection function according to claim 1, wherein an inundation detection signal is generated based on a test signal received within a set time after the inflowing liquid is inflowed. .. The detection signal generation unit
The aerosol generator including the inundation detection function according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol is located within a first set distance from the opening / closing port. The detection signal transmission part
The first aspect of the present invention is that when a liquid flows in through the opening / closing port, the detection signal generation unit is electrically connected and the inundation detection signal is received from the connected detection signal generation unit. An aerosol generator that includes the described inundation detection function. The control unit
The aerosol generator according to claim 1, further comprising the inundation detection function according to claim 1, wherein the inundation detection signal is compared with a stored reference inundation signal to determine whether or not the inundation is inundated. It is a method of detecting inundation of an aerosol generator,
A test signal transmission step in which the control unit periodically generates a test signal and transmits the generated test signal to a detection signal generation unit that generates an inundation detection signal.
If at least one or more detection signal generators are provided on the outer surface of the aerosol generator and a removable component is attached / detached to / from the opening / closing port provided in the component attachment / detachment space, the liquid flows into the opening / closing space based on the test signal. And the detection signal generation stage to generate the inundation detection signal
The detection signal transmission stage in which the detection signal transmission unit receives the generated inundation detection signal and transmits it to the control unit.
A method for detecting inundation of an aerosol generator, which comprises a inundation determination step in which the control unit determines inundation through the opening / closing port based on the transmitted inundation detection signal. The removable component is
The method for detecting inundation of an aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the cigarette is heated by a USB charging terminal or a heater that receives a signal from the control unit to generate an aerosol-producing substrate. The detection signal transmission stage is
The method for detecting inundation of an aerosol generator including the inundation detection function according to claim 8, wherein the inundation detection signal is transmitted to the control unit only when the generated inundation detection signal is received. The detection signal generation step is
The aerosol generator including the inundation detection function according to claim 8, wherein an inundation detection signal is generated based on a test signal received within a set time after the inflowing liquid is inflowed. Inundation detection method. The detection signal generation step is
The method for detecting inundation of an aerosol generator including the inundation detection function according to claim 8, wherein the aerosol is located within a first distance already set from the opening / closing port. The detection signal transmission stage is
8. The eighth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that when a liquid flows in through the opening / closing port, the detection signal generation unit is electrically connected and the inundation detection signal is received from the connected detection signal generation unit. A method for detecting inundation of an aerosol generator including the inundation detection function described. The inundation judgment stage is
The method for detecting inundation of an aerosol generator including the inundation detection function according to claim 8, wherein the inundation detection signal is compared with a stored reference inundation signal to determine whether or not the inundation is inundated. A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for executing the method according to any one of claims 8 to 14.

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